New plants at lake have a purpose

Along the City Park Lake shoreline, something is coming back to life—or more precisely, being brought back. The University Lakes restoration project, aimed at returning the lakes to something closer to a natural state, is now far enough along that you can actually see it: wild indigos and primrose willows. 

What you're seeing is intentional—every plant placed around City Park Lake was chosen for a reason. They are doing real work. Their roots grip the soil and hold it in place. Their stems slow the water. Their root systems filter what runs off before it reaches the lake.

If you're the type to stop and wonder what you're actually looking at, download iNaturalist before your next walk. Point your camera at a leaf or a flower—the app will identify it, often down to the species level. 

The planting is continuing around University Lake, which is being dredged now.